The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Charles Richard Stanford (MCSN: 0-110356), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company G, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hours of 9 December 1970, while occupying a position in defense of a hamlet in the Que Son District, a unit of Marines and Regional Forces soldiers came under a vicious ground attack by a large North Vietnamese Army force supported by intense mortar and rocket fire. Reacting instantly, First Lieutenant Stanford posted security at the vital Combat Operations Center, then fearlessly rushed across the fire-swept terrain to a mortar position manned by Regional Force soldiers and, after issuing instructions and pointing out targets to the men, again braved the withering fire to race back to the Combat Operations Center and request supporting artillery fire. While he was adjusting this fire on the enemy assembly areas and routes of advance and egress, a container of chemicals was damaged by a hostile grenade, spreading noxious fumes throughout the area. Realizing the need for immediate action to protect the vision of his companions, and enable them to continue their tasks, First Lieutenant Stanford unhesitatingly left the relative security of his emplacement and boldly crawled to a nearby bunker where he procured several gas masks and, after fearlessly retracing his hazardous route, distributed them among the command post personnel. Seemingly oblivious to the rounds impacting around him, he then moved to the point of heaviest contact and assisted the Regional Forces soldiers there to strengthen their positions. Under intense fire, he then coordinated and directed the medical evacuation of wounded Marines and Regional Force soldiers. Inspired by his fearless leadership and bold courage, the combined Vietnamese-American force waged a vigorous defense of the friendly positions until the North Vietnamese Army unit, having sustained numerous casualties, was forced to retreat. By his heroism, decisive actions, and steadfast devotion to duty at great personal risk, First Lieutenant Stanford contributed significantly to the defeat of a large enemy force and upheld the highest tradition of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.